Gingrich discusses health care priorities

Newt Gingrich has formed a bipartisan partnership to raise awareness and support for those suffering from mental illness and addiction. | Gage Skidmore / Wikimedia Commons

The national focus on health care has shifted from
ways to improve the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to ways to replace it
since the Nov. 8
election of President-elect Donald Trump.

The promise to provide
Americans relief from rising health
insurance premiums and narrowing provider networks was at the forefront
of Trump’s campaign. Now, the stage is set for a renewed focus on
health care reform across the board.
For key political figures counseling the
President-elect, such as former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, this
will require exploring realistic options for health care reform that not
only reduce the cost to Americans, but also encourage innovative solutions for addressing broader public health issues.
“Right now, we must take advantage of this
opportunity to make concrete changes in health care by addressing the
issues with Obamacare that are hurting Americans, such as high premium
increases, limited insurance plan options and burdensome
employer regulations,” Gingrich told Patient Daily. “In developing the
right replacement for Obamacare, we must focus on lowering consumer
costs and protecting the quality health care coverage that Americans
expect.”
The details of Trump’s plans for the nation’s
health care system are still unknown, but his nominee for Secretary of Health
and Human Services, Rep. Tom Price (R-GA),has laid out his plan that includes a path to repeal and replace Obamacare.
During his time in Congress, Price has also shared his belief that
consumers should be empowered through choice and competition rather than
strong government intervention.
“Tom Price has the right experience and has put a
great deal of thought into how best to improve our nation’s health care
system. He is the right leader for the job,” Gingrich said.
Gingrich is hoping lawmakers and the new
administration will hone in on ways to not only revitalize the nation’s
health care system, but also support those suffering from under-recognized diseases such as mental illness. Recently, the
former Speaker’s efforts have been geared toward the need for more
attention to and effective treatment for mental health.
Gingrich has formed a bipartisan partnership with Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D-RI) to raise
awareness and support for those suffering from mental illness and
addiction.
“We wouldn’t question if a patient came in to see
their doctor for symptoms related to heart disease or diabetes and the
same should be said for mental illness," Gingrich said. "Unfortunately, treatment for
mental health is often restricted because it is
not viewed as a serious disease and we need to do more to eliminate
this different standard."
Looking to the future, Gingrich believes the next
four years will bring a complete restructuring and retooling of the
country’s health care system and that voters will hold the government
accountable for ensuring Americans have access to
affordable and quality health care.
“In 2017, people can expect a new president, a new
Congress and new changes to the country’s health care system, as well as
policies that will aim to improve health options for millions of
Americans,” Gingrich said. “It has never been more
important for our country’s leadership to come together and strengthen
all areas of health care than now.”